Yeah, I liked Phil (still bump into Nat from time to time). I think the issue I had was that Vince tried to make into a trendy wine bar and the clientèle became very clique-like and if you weren't in the group it took you ages to get served. However, I have full confidence that the new management will make this a success. I'm going to eat the most hog roast.
That's hilarious OLM. Seems like a lot of folk didn't like him. I went into the bear one night when my Vw camper broke down passing through south cave. Bumped into a few lads I know and they refused to go in fox because of him. The bear was a **** hole at that point so it must have been bad in fox under vince.
Anything has to be better than the way it used to be about 15 years ago, it traded on a reputation for decent food, but it was shocking, the kitchen equipment was falling apart, hygiene was terrible as was the quality of the food they sold. I'm surprised the old regime kept going as long as they did
They might have inadvertently been spending money with Vince anyway, he was running them both for a while.
Yeah. Didn't he rip out the conservatory and put a stage in their for bands? I love live music but the guy was a clown when it came to running a village pub. I'm really looking forward to going for a pint in there.
It was pretty good, I believe he nicked the chef from Cave Castle. Though it was Vince who told me that, so it might well be bollocks.
My folks liked it as it was dog friendly - they ate there a lot. Thinking about it they probably kept Vince afloat for a few weeks at least In his midnight flit didn't he remove loads of equipment?
That was one of the reasons it pissed a lot of people off; it's food hygiene 101 not to have dogs running around a pub while people are trying to eat. Regulars didn't bat an eyelid but it didn't do any favours for attracting new business. The conservatory in the Bear is still there but Vince soundproofed it and made it into a music venue, which was actually a good idea and it worked well. When he left the new owners took it down and reverted it back into a conservatory again. The chef that he 'stole' is a friend of mine and he didn't steal him from Cave Castle; he was working at another pub in Anlaby. I think Vince has sold you one there. There was a chef that came from Castle, but he was just a commis and he left after about 3 months. My friend Mike (who is know at the Gallery), worked there for a while but he had a constant fall out with the owners over delivery orders and that walk in fridge was a total write off. Hopefully the new chef (who IS very talented and should take the restaurant back to the top) can bring more business in.
There's stacks of dog friendly pubs, not problem as it was only the front bar area. The restaurant area was 'dog free', you'll probably alienate people if you make it dog free. Pretty important to service customers throughout the week that are just 'nipping out to take the dog for a walk'. A few pints later they toddle off home. It was certainly popular with dog walkers on a week night. I think the area is crying out for a pub that just serves good honest pub grub. Not ping ****e, not ****e that is for special events (The Star or Pipe and Glass)etc. the Gnu in Newbald a few years back (could be 8!!) filled this excellently. Then they left and it went down hill. Then we had the Rose and Crown at Gilberdyke run by a couple from Scotland - that was excellent. Unfortunately she got Ill with cancer and they sold up to some morons who have since run it into the ground - now closed.
I don't mind the Cave at all. The greens play all year and it's harder than most give it credit for. Only issue is silly old twats in their buggies on those golf breaks. For a very reasonably priced round you can't go wrong.
Slightly OT but if you're near Pock I'd recommend the pub in Millington - proper pub and proper pub food!
Yes I know I have made enquiries about joining, I have been told an old acquaintance of mine Paul Dixon is the owner?
Yes I been it is very good, also the Ramblers rest café come guest house, is also worth a visit. http://www.ramblersrestmillington.co.uk/
